Asparagus: benefits, harm and how to cook

Many people are familiar with asparagus - it is a prickly indoor plant with branchy shoots. But not everyone is aware that the young shoots of this flower are asparagus. This delicacy has a delicate delicate taste. Its benefits have been known for several centuries.

Benefits of asparagus

Any variety of asparagus contains very few calories. This product is very lightweight in every way. It perfectly saturates the body and at the same time is easily digestible. Asparagus contains a large amount of vitamins and even more microelements. This vegetable is especially useful for people who watch their weight, because with a low calorie content it is very satiating.

Asparagus is recommended for nutrition pregnant women, because it contains a lot of folic acid. Just 100 grams of asparagus will provide you with 40% of the daily value of this substance. In addition, asparagus is beneficial for people with heart disease, including children suffering from congenital heart disease. If you are planning to have a baby, then start eating asparagus about six months before conception to saturate your body with folic acid.

Asparagus is an excellent diuretic. It contains a lot of fiber, which is good for digestion and has a beneficial effect on the beneficial intestinal microflora. The substances contained in asparagus tone the intestinal muscles, reduce the formation of gases and influence its biochemical reactions. Asparagus contains saponins, which are useful for lipid metabolism and thinning mucus in the lungs. Carotene, which asparagus is rich in, has a good effect on vision and prevents cancer development. To strengthen vascular walls and improve heart health, asparagus contains coumarin.

Asparagus has a good effect on the activity of the liver and kidneys, has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system, and cleanses the lungs and bronchi of toxins. Green asparagus contains a lot of antioxidants, which rejuvenate the body and prevent the development of diseases.

During the Middle Ages, asparagus was considered a powerful aphrodisiac. It was believed that asparagus excites men and has a wonderful effect on their health. This is to some extent a natural substitute for Viagra. On the other hand, asparagus also has a stimulating effect on women. In India, women used it to normalize hormonal levels and treat infertility, as well as as a means of rejuvenation.

Harm of asparagus

In addition to the obvious benefits that asparagus brings to the human body, some people should not abuse it. First of all, this warning applies to those who are genetically predisposed to bladder stones. The fact is that this plant contains a certain amount of special acid, which tends to influence the formation of stones.

Patients with cystitis, rheumatism and prostatitis are also not recommended to eat asparagus. The saponin contained in it irritates the mucous membranes of the intestines and stomach. For this reason, asparagus is also contraindicated for people with gastrointestinal problems.

How to cook asparagus

There are no special tricks to cooking asparagus. The main task is not to overcook this vegetable so that it does not lose color. Asparagus goes well with all foods. It is suitable for preparing salads and other dishes.

Here are the main ways to cook asparagus:

• The easiest way to blanch asparagus. To do this, cut off the thick part of the stem and immerse the vegetable in boiling water for four minutes. As a result, the asparagus will be tender and juicy.
• Asparagus is great for roasting. Simply cover the stems with grated Parmesan and pop into the oven. You can serve this dish with egg yolk hollandaise or lemon sauce.
• You can also cook asparagus. Before this, tie the shoots in a bunch and in this form, standing, place them in a pan of boiling water. This will cause the tops of the vegetables to protrude from the water and become steamed. This method allows the vegetable to cook evenly. After all, the stems take longer to cook than the tender tops. To make the asparagus taste better, add lemon juice to boiling water.
• To preserve color and crisp up the asparagus, place it in cold water after cooking.